HAL HAOP-27 Krishak

Provision for the defence services trebled in the post-1962 years, the budget of 1963-64 supporting a large increase in the strength and modernisation of the armed forces. The Army, including the Regiment of Artillery, was to be prepared to fight both on the plains and in the mountains. The Air Observation Post component was to be greatly expanded and as a replacement to the Auster A.O.P.9, the indigenous HAOP-27 Krishak was suitably developed. An initial order for 30 Krishaks was placed with deliveries commencing in late 1965 and a subsequent order for 33 more in 1966 took deliveries into 1968, a number of AOP Squadrons and Independent flights being established, conversion training being provided on the type at Patiala. Commanded by a Lt. Colonel of the Regiment of the Artillery, an Air O.P. Squadron’s Adjutant is seconded by the Air Force, the I.A.F. being responsible for the aircraft’s serviceability, maintenance and allotment although operational use and control is directed by the Army.

The Krishak’s predecessor, the light HUL-26 two-seat Pushpak, had donned military colours in serving during the 1965 operations against Pakistan, these aircraft being “borrowed” from civil flying clubs, and “militarised” in the shape of an armour plate behind the pilot’s back and individually camouflaged with distemper. Some 25 Pushpaks formed the equipment of one Squadron and an independent flight during the years 1965-67. With availability of the Krishaks, the AOP units were able to operate a more suitable aircraft and the HAOP-27 served in all sectors of the Western front during the December 1971 conflict, providing invaluable direction in the face of strong enemy air and ground reaction. Krishaks of No. 660 Squadron, engaged in Forward Air Control tasks were continuously in action, registering targets at Shakargarh for 36th Infantry Divisional artillery. The light Krishaks were constantly exposed to ground fire and enemy fighters, one Krishak of the 7th Flight dodging Sabres in 15 minutes of evasive action before falling prey. Krishaks of the 5th (1) Flight located and engaged enemy concentrations and emplacements near Chacharao during the 1 1 th Infantry Division’s advance through the desert to Naya Chor.
For air observation and light utility tasks in the mountains, however, there has been rethinking on employment of fixed wing aircraft as helicopters would be far more versatile operating, as they could, from advance helipads. Within the seventies, the Krishaks would be supplanted by the Cheetahs, now on assembly at HAL Bangalore but in the interim, some A.O.P. flights have been provided the Alouette III.

Notes :
Work on a more powerful 4-seat multi-purpose development of the 2-seat Pushpak was initiated by HAL in 1958 and the prototype first flew in November 1959. Development of an air observation post, liaison and ambulance variant of the basic Krishak design was carried out with the prototype (BR 464) flying in 1965. Stressed to a limiting load factor of 3.8 g, the HAOP-27 (as the military Krishak was designated) is powered by a Continental 0-470-J “flat six” engine of 225 h.p.